Microscopic Evaluation Method of Traffic Management Strategies Considering Vehicle Fuel Consumption and Emission Rates

Abstract:

Energy crisis and environmental degradation are two major problems that we face today. Various initiatives and activities in the form of programs, projects, conference and summits have been implemented and some are on-going to introduce the concept of environmental sustainability. In the transport sector, the concept of a sustainable transport system is being promoted as one of the key solutions to these problems. The objective of this study is to develop an evaluation method for traffic management strategies that consider vehicle fuel consumption and emission rates. The study includes the setting-up of an on-board monitoring instrument for the gathering of microscopic data and analysis. This combines the use of GPS device, OBD2, fuel flow meter instruments and available transportation software. Fuel consumption and emission rate models can be developed considering travel-related, highway-related, vehicle-related and vehicle operator-related factors. This study provides traffic engineers with an evaluation method that introduces energy and emission rate criteria in the evaluation process. It also provides essential information to planners and designers on the review of existing standards and strategies for the introduction of sustainable transportation system concepts. A case study on the comparison of U-turn and signalized intersection as alternative traffic management strategies is presented.

Keywords: traffic, fuel consumption, emission rate, sustainability, traffic management